Hardy’s Nottage Hill Freshcase – new packaging concept

From the press release:“Ever opened a bottle of delicious, premium wine one evening and gone back for a second glass a week later, only to find that the wine is past its best?”

No, that’s never happened to me (wine doesn’t have a fighting chance in my house) but I do know people who don’t finish off a bottle in one sitting, they may even save it for (gasp!) a week ( Hi, Mom!). Hardy’s, the Australian producer, has come up with a nifty new bag in a box (Freshcase) which I received the other day to help those poor souls out. The big brands seem to lead the way in innovation, always willing to try something new, so here is the next big thing…

Hardy’s is calling their new brand the Hardy’s Nottage HillFreshcase and it’s big innovation is not only the volume, it holds 2.25 litres (equivalent of 3 bottles) but is 70% lighter then 3 conventional wine bottles, takes up much less space in the fridge and they say it will keep the wine for up to 6 weeks! That’s gotta be some willpower on the consumers part for it to last 3 weeks.

But I digress. The new packaging is pretty slick and sturdy looking but surprisingly light. They’ve thought of everything, the white wine box even has a little stand which lets the bottle sit at a downward angle in the fridge so you’ll be sure to get every last drop. The best part is that it’s 100% recyclable and made from sustainable stocks. The case box comes apart very easily for you to recycle. There is even a video on youtube to show you how easy it is to pull apart, which is a good thing because I was debating whether or not to just finish off the wine and rip open the box!

At the moment, there are two wines being produced, a chardonnay and a cabernet/shiraz blend. I opened the cabernet/shiraz a week ago and have been periodically having a glass in the evening. It’s an great example of Australian red wine, big and jammy, loads of fruit, a bit toasty, nothing too complicated, goes well with cheeseburgers. So far so good. The wine seems to be retaining the same qualities nite after nite. And, it seems to be bottomless, the wine just keeps on flowing. So, a WIN for the Freshcase!

I like the design, the wine is friendly and approachable and good value, retailing for £19.99. Hardy’s is rolling out the Nottage Hill on Nov. 11th in Sainsbury’s.